Ahead of Friday’s fixture at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, Sevilla manager Luis García Plaza has urged his squad to exercise extreme caution against a struggling Valencia CF side, warning that opponents who enter the match wounded and desperate for points present unique dangers.
According to the sources, the team enters the fifth round of the LaLiga EA Sports season following three consecutive defeats, leaving them at the foot of the league table and placing intense scrutiny on the coaching staff.
Guards Up Despite Valencia’s Poor Form
Speaking to reporters in Thursday’s pre-match press conference, García Plaza dismissed the idea that Valencia’s slow start makes them an easy opponent. The Sevilla boss emphasized the early stage of the campaign and the underlying quality within the opposing squad.
«Llevamos cuatro jornadas únicamente», García Plaza noted in comments reported by regional media. «Lo considero un gran club, con buenos jugadores. Van a venir con el cuchillo entre los dientes». The manager pointed out that historical results in Seville heavily favor the visitors, noting that Valencia has secured either a win or a draw on each of their last four visits to the stadium.
Tactical Questions and Squad Management
Sevilla enters the weekend riding a wave of relative optimism following a strong start under García Plaza, but the manager acknowledged several tactical decisions still hanging in the balance. When asked about his preferred formation—having predominantly utilized a single- delantero setup early in the season—he did not rule out shifting to a two-striker system or deploying a three-man midfield.
«Puede ser que juguemos con dos y puede ser que juguemos con tres en el medio», explained García Plaza, highlighting players like Lucas, Fofa, Cocho, and Guridi as available options. He also addressed physical management, noting that several squad members are not yet fit for a full ninety minutes, requiring careful coordination between a starting plan A and an impactful bench plan B.
Defensive Improvements and Injury Updates
While Sevilla boasts seven goals scored across the opening fixtures—a statistic García Plaza described as fantastic—the technical staff remains focused on defensive stability. The manager pointed to the manner in which they conceded an equalizing goal against Espanyol as a key lesson in area defending, stressing that the team must continue working to reduce goals conceded.
The squad also continues to navigate fitness concerns. García Plaza offered words of encouragement to Arouna Sanganté, who is sidelined with an injury following recent disciplinary and physical setbacks, praising the player’s dedication and competitive attitude.
What Comes Next
Sevilla hosts Valencia CF at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Friday night in LaLiga EA Sports action.
